Prize medal issued for students at the The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Dresden, ca. 1830

Abstract

General Description: This is one of two 19th century prize medals in which Michelangelo shares the obverse. " The medal was given as a prize for students at the Art Academy beginning around 1830.

Obverse Description: This is one of two 19th century prize medals in which Michelangelo shares the obverse. In this case, a bust of the Renaissance painter Raphael, seen in three quarter view, is superimposed over the left side profile bust of Michelangelo. Rapahel was one of the few artists held in as high esteem as Michelangelo during this time period. The surround lists the artists' names and bears the heading of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Dresden.

Reverse Description: The reverse features two running geniuses, one of whom carries a victory wreath and embraces a column. The surround includes an inscription of "FUR ERFOLGREYCHES STREBEN" (for successful pursuit).

Historical Context:

Artist Biography: According to Forrer and Eidlitz, at least some examples bear the initials K.R. which refer to Knoll and Riedener, the mint-warden and mint-master, respectively, at the Nuremburg mint. [The dates, however, do not coincide. There was a Georg Knoll, Georg Nikolaus Riedener (or Riedner), and Adam Nikolaus Riedener (or Riedner), all of whom worked at the Nuremburg mint in the late 18th century.]

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